The holidays are approaching... and with that an appropriate theme! I recently saw the trailer for the upcoming Krampus film and figured we could take a stab at doing an interpretation of this ancient, not-so-nice, creature.

From wiki: In Austro-Bavarian German-speaking Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.

Hope you all have a great holiday season, look forward to seeing your entries!

Growing up in Austria, I was visited by the Krampus quite often and as a child it was really terrifying until you know that it just a costume. Nevertheless ... the Theme was great fun! I tried to diverge from the original portrayal and how he carries the children.

Hi guys. This is my first post here but wanted to thank gnomon for hosting the challenge. I have really enjoyed designing and painting this piece.

The idea behind my Krampus is that he is in fact a winged evil demon who wears a dead goat headdress. He flies around snatching children to eat at Christmas time as it is easy pickings and they are all at home in bed.

I really wanted to push my creativity on this painting and come up with something original. I also wanted to focus on lighting and texture more as I have been learning some new techniques lately.

The old man had made his three wishes to the strange creature wisely, or so he thought. With long life, the ability to travel the world instantaneously, and an infinite bag of presents, he now wandered the world bringing joy to all those he met. He was known by many names: Santa, Grandfather Frost, Sinter Klaas, Papa Noel, jolly Old St. Nikolaus. He was beloved by all. Yet sometimes, in the quiet of the night, he would wake in terror. The dream was always the same; a shadow stalking him, a merciless creature of brimstone, the children he had given presents to swallowed up in the pits of the Earth. The nightmare followed into waking, as rumors of missing children and a vicious demon arose wherever he went. Was there some beast from the netherworld stalking his movements? Was there a curse upon him for accepting three wishes from an imp? Or, was the unthinkable the truth; he himself was the Krampus, and the cost of spreading joy was spreading death.

Greetings from Krampus! And a happy new year everyone Since I dont have my laptop with me on holidays, I painted the Illustration on my iPad using the app Procreate. I'll upload my painting progress video as soon as possible, when I have a better wifi connection...
Here is the final image:

Do you like it?! What seems wrong or looks bad?! I appreciate any comments and critiques!
I wish you all the best for 2016!!! Now I get me something to drink!! Happy new Beer! :P